autumn/winter 2011

 

Winter is around the corner, and the cooler temperatures are certainly welcome, as are repeated trends. Whilst not slaves to fashion, there is a definate satisfaction in last years trench being a must have this season.  

The trends this season are wonderfully diverse, which is always exciting for us at ruthanne.com as we celebrate each woman's unique qualities, this season we can definately have fun with fashion. 

New neutral

The reining neutral for the upcoming season is undoubtedly camel. A classic colour that exudes warmth, simplicity and elegance is easy to wear and great option for any outfit. Trenches and coats are a must this season, opt for a timeless camel coat as shown by Micheal Kors, well worth the investment. Chloe incorporated a shade of camel in virtually every look sent down the runway, and brilliantly demonstrates how you can wear an overall camel outfit, using different fabrics to create differentiation.

 A canvas of colour

Head to toe colour? Believe it or not, this is the newest way to wear colour.  Marc Jacobs played it safe with various shades of camel, while Zac Posen was more daring with his wine red ensembles. This “canvas of colour”  is certainly one to look out for, and by using subtle hues and neutrals it is easy to translate for everyday wear. This trend creates a longer leaner look. At ruthanne.com we tested this idea with a late summer story of matching vest tunic with rouched leggings and an over tunic in a contrast fabric of the same colour hue. The result – a resound success. Look out for our winter longsleeve sheath tunic and matching leggings and poncho’s coming online in March.

 

 

Man up

Menswear-inspired suiting and outerwear are key looks, with designers putting an emphasis on classic tailoring. Alexander Wang is the young New York designer everyone is watching right now, and his collection of sexy, deconstructed pinstripe suits set the tone for a season of creative menswear dressing for women.

 

 

Fabulous fifties

Fashion is ever revolving, as displayed in the fifties silhouettes being all the rage this winter. Sophisticated, longer lengths, ultra feminine embracing womanly curves, what’s not to love? 

 

 

Pick a poncho

Either cropped or long, petite and tailored or oversized and dramatic, capes or ponchos are definitely the winter cover-up of choice. YSL showed classic black capes, with a whimsical number from Kenzo on the other end of the spectrum. Philip Lim had poncho’s aplenty, including numbers suitable for the less sever climate.

 

 

Military chic

This trend marches on, with, with Philip Lim spot on trend with his military inspired cape, whilst Burberry lead the way with stunning jackets that varied in style and shape, all utterly desirable. When asked about his inspiration for this season Christopher Bailey of Burberry said “I was thinking of uniforms and cadet girls—but it all started when I looked at an aviator jacket in the archive. Then, as I started designing into it, I realized it could be as versatile as the trench—strong and sexy, masculine and feminine." Sergeant pepper styling, as seen on pieces by Alice by Temperly is key to this trend.

Fabulously faux

This winter a flurry of fur is set to ensue. Hermes played it safe with fur trims as well as displayed the trend in its extreme, sending a flurry of full fur jackets down the runway.

Wild n wearable

Take a walk on the wild side, and be spot on trend in leopard print. Animal print is back, leopard, seems to be the print of choice, with crocodile, and zebra making an appearance here and there. An easy way to wear this trend is with your accessories, as shown by Dries von Noten, and for the more adventurous there is always Hermes’ leopard print dress.

Leather forever

Timeless, tested, trusted leather. Once again leather is highlighted on a trends report, only this time it is taken a step further. The dependable leather jacket was a hit on all of the runways, this staple was accompanied by thigh high leather boots favoured by Burberry, as well as skirts, shorts, pants and even a jumpsuit by Hermes. As a South African embracing this trend, consider how many times you’ll actually wear these investment pieces before you splash out. Durbanites – just face it – you don’t actually have a winter!

Loving layering

This winter will be a warm one, if you are layering that is. There are so many ways to carry out this “more is more” trend whilst maintaining your individuality whether it be an experiment with colours, textures, prints or key pieces.

Ladylike Chic

A style that can be adapted to many body shapes, this trend that can flatter most women. Its popularity never wanes and so it is a look that often reappears year after year on both the catwalks and the high street. An abundance of floral, lace and frills, ensure women feel pretty and feminine. Ralph Lauren had floral aplenty, whilst Philosophy combined an ultra feminine blouse trimmed in lace with its counterpart; leather pants.

Whatever you fancy this winter – just do me one favour and try on a silhouette or a colour you’ve not tried on before. Too often the majority of us just don on our ‘safe as houses’ outfits because we are too nervous of what everyone else will think.

Remember: Life is not a dress rehearsal. Enjoy colour and enjoy expressing YOU!